Morning at Brookdale, a few people here and there. All alone is a man with what appears a blank stare. Who is that man in the corner, and what’s on his mind? Is he crazy or lonely or just done with the grind?

People think he’s not “there” and has nothing to say. They don’t look at him or converse with him. They stay out of his way. But maybe someone should look up, talk and take a moment For they need to see that his mind is not dormant!

Lunchtime at Brookdale, and people share tables and good food. It appears that the socializing is really great for the mood. But who is that man all alone at the table and what’s in his brain? Are there memories or the same reel playing again and again?

The others don’t see him or don’t want to see him. For they know that one circumstance, and they may BE him. But maybe they should see that he is the same as they are inside, And he wants to be seen. He has nothing to hide.

Evening at Brookdale and people buzzing around. Many people have friendships….new friends they have found. But the man in the corner…What’s going on in his head? Is he wishing for those friendships or to be somewhere else instead?

Then the music begins, and the man comes alive. Now it’s easy to see that there’s so much inside! There is passion and memories and a deep sense of longing, For a place to express and a need for belonging. There’s a man of great talents and memories like us all, Only sometimes those memories seem hard to recall. But the music takes over and lifts up his spirit. His mouth opens wide with a smile…his voice so strong you can hear it. His memories take over when there was passion and romance, When his arms held a woman and his legs, they could dance. Tears fill his eyes as these memories are so sweet. He closes his eyes, sings a song, moves his feet. The magic of music lives right in this place. The magic of music, written all over his face.

Bedtime at Brookdale, and lights are slowly turning out. There are far fewer people now, shuffling about. But the man in the corner, what’s in his heart? Now what’s in his soul? Tonight, he smiles as romance, laughter and music seem to fill that hole.

The man in the corner is all human kind as the years go by fast Wishing to just hang on, wishing a way to make it all last. The man in the corner, after many and many a mile. The beauty of love and life now reflected in his smile